Surat, Gujarat — A shocking incident from Bhavnagar district has triggered widespread anger among the Patidar community across Gujarat, especially in Surat, where community leaders and hundreds of members gathered to protest an alleged violent attack on an elderly Patidar couple in Devaliya village of Umrala taluka. The case has sparked concerns over increasing assaults against Patidar families in Saurashtra villages, many of whom live alone while their children work in urban centres like Surat.
The matter has now escalated into a major community issue, with prominent Patidar leaders stressing that this is not just a case of land dispute but a direct threat to the dignity, safety, and security of the entire community.
Background: Series of Attacks on Patidar Families Raises Alarm
For years, many Saurashtra residents have migrated to Surat for business and employment opportunities, often leaving behind elderly parents in their ancestral villages. Over the past year, cases of intimidation and attacks on Patidar families in these rural areas have reportedly increased, causing growing fear among residents.
The latest incident, involving the Patidar couple attacked in Devaliya village Bhavnagar, has intensified the anger as the victims were elderly farmers allegedly targeted over a land-related dispute. The shocking nature of the assault and the threats given to the victims have led to widespread condemnation.
The Incident: Elderly Couple Assaulted Over Plot Dispute
According to the FIR registered by farmer Dhanjibhai Vashrambhai Dhorajiya at the Umrala Police Station, the attack occurred on Saturday, 15 November, when he and his family were at home in Devaliya village.
As per the police complaint, a group led by Gabha Khengarbhai Gamara, a resident of the same village, arrived at Dhanjibhai’s house and allegedly demanded that he hand over “half of his plot” for constructing a memorial structure (locally known as a madh) for the Gamara family.
Dhanjibhai stated in the FIR that he had already given 12 feet of land for this purpose earlier, but the group continued to pressure him to part with more land. When he refused, the confrontation escalated.
Witnesses claim that Gabha Khengarbhai became aggressive, verbally abused the women of the house, and gave an open threat to kill the elderly woman of the family. In a shocking act of violence, Dhanjibhai’s wife was allegedly grabbed by the throat and slapped twice during the assault.
More Accused Involved in the Attack
The complainant stated that several individuals accompanied Gabha Khengarbhai Gamara during the incident. The accused reportedly attempted to forcibly enter the property and even tried to break down a boundary wall using a wooden log.
The individuals named in the FIR include:
- Kuldeep Gabhubhai Gamara
- Indu Bhagubhai Gamara
- Rata Indubhai Gamara
- Matar Ramabhai Gamara
- Suresh Khengarbhai Gamara
- Virambhai Khengabhai Gamara
- Ratanbhai Indubhai Gamara’s elder son
- Viramkhengarbhai Gamara’s younger son
The assault, as described in the complaint, was not only physical but accompanied by verbal threats, including claims that the attackers “did not care even if they had to go to jail for 25 years.”
This statement has caused particular concern within the community, who view it as evidence of a growing sense of impunity among antisocial elements in rural areas.
Surat Reacts Strongly: Emergency Meeting Called by Patidar Leaders
On Monday, 17 November 2025, at 8:30 PM, a large gathering of Patidar leaders was held at Aastha Farm, Sarathi Avenue, near L.P. Savani School in Mota Varachha, Surat. The meeting was attended by influential community figures including Alpesh Kathiriya, Vijay Mangukiya, and other Patidar representatives.
The atmosphere at the meeting was tense and emotional, with leaders emphasizing unity, legal action, and increased protection for rural Patidar families.
“This Is About Our Community’s Dignity And Security” — Alpesh Kathiriya
Speaking at the gathering, Patidar leader Alpesh Kathiriya declared the incident “an attack on the entire community,” saying:
“This is not just about one family. This concerns the dignity and safety of the entire Patidar community. Entering someone’s house, beating elderly people, threatening to kill an old mother — such antisocial elements cannot be tolerated. Staying silent against such actions endangers not only Patidars but every person living in rural areas.”
Kathiriya urged the youth and elders living in Surat — especially those from Varachha, Kamrej, Kapodra, Amroli, Punagam, Sarthana, Adajan, and Vesu — to support families back in their native villages and ensure they are not left vulnerable.
“Plot-Grabbing Attempt Led to Brutal Attack” — Vijay Mangukiya
Patidar leader Vijay Mangukiya strongly condemned the attack and stated that the sole motive behind the violence was land grabbing.
Mangukiya said:
“This was a deliberate attempt to forcibly take over the land of a Patidar farming family. These antisocial elements wanted the land, and when the family refused, the attackers assaulted them brutally. They even assaulted the farmer’s wife by grabbing her throat and slapping her.”
He further added that the attackers openly declared they were willing to go to jail for decades if needed — a statement that highlights the seriousness of the threats.
Police Support Acknowledged, But Villagers Still Fearful
While addressing the gathering, community leaders acknowledged that the local police were cooperating and acting promptly in the case. However, the fear among villagers persists.
One leader said:
“Even though the police are supporting us, villagers still feel fear when such incidents happen. Today’s meeting was held under the banner of Patidar Seva Sangh, and its primary objective is to ensure that our villages remain safe and alive.”
The leaders emphasized that rural residents, especially elderly couples living alone, need stronger community backing and more frequent communication with their relatives living in cities.
Community Leaders Call for Unity Against Antisocial Elements
The meeting concluded with a powerful message of unity. Leaders urged all Patidars — both rural and urban — to stand together against any element attempting to disrupt peace or intimidate vulnerable families.
A key message was:
“Whenever there is a problem in any village, all communities must unite to fight antisocial elements. No one should spread hatred or division. Those who try to poison society with fear must be opposed collectively and firmly.”
The gathering ended with a pledge to support the elderly victims of the Patidar couple attacked in Devaliya village Bhavnagar case and to ensure justice is delivered.
Also read: Bhavnagar News Today: Bride-to-Be Brutally Killed by Groom on Wedding Day, Investigation Underway
Conclusion: A Community Stands Strong Against Violence
The violent attack on an elderly Patidar couple in Devaliya village has now evolved into a significant social issue, highlighting the challenges faced by rural families in protecting their land and safety.
The swift action by police, along with the united response from Surat’s Patidar community, reflects a growing determination to ensure such incidents do not recur.
The message from the leaders is clear:
Unity, vigilance, and collective strength are the only ways to protect rural families from intimidation, land grabbing, and violence.
